Forensic video enhancement is the process of clarifying a video recording using techniques which preserve pixel quality integrity. We enhance events as they occurred so that the trier of fact can see more clearly. The success of a forensic video enhancement hinges on enhancement techniques and the original video recording’s quality. For example, we may enhance video quality of a license plate pulled from a recording.

First, we perform a preliminary analysis to ensure our clients’ expectations are met. Second, once we are confident we can enhance video quality, we enter a full investigation to create demonstrative video exhibits. These demonstrative video exhibits include motion based highlighting or circling, as well as speed reduction.

WHAT IS VIDEO ENHANCEMENT?

ENHANCEMENT PROCESS

Each investigation is unique, which means no two videos require the same enhancement process. Surveillance video enhancement, or CCTV video enhancement, is the most common type of investigation we perform. We also enhance law enforcement dash camera videos, smart phone or mobile video recordings, and many more. In addition, we often provide forensic image enhancement for identification purposes.

The highest quality version of the evidence is the most important ingredient to the scientific process. This yields the highest success rate throughout the investigation. If the analog or digital video recording is re-compressed, the success of the enhancement is limited. 

ENHANCED VIDEO SAMPLE

The above-enhanced video-assisted plaintiff’ss counsel with a slip and fall case in litigation. 

IMAGE ENHANCEMENT SERVICES

We also offer image enhancement services to our clients. Image enhancement is any process intended to improve the visual appearance of an image. See “6.1 ASTM E2825-19 Standard Guide for Forensic Digital Image Processing“. Images can be enhanced or clarified for the courtroom to help make determinations about its contents. 

When we enhance images, we use the same methodology that we apply to video enhancement investigations. Ultimately, the goal of image enhancement is to improve the clarity of the digital image. With this in mind, enlisting a qualified technician will ensure that only safe techniques are used and pixel quality is preserved. 

forensic video enhancement
video forensic expert

VIDEO ENHANCEMENT IN COURT

We often provide expert witness testimony services to our clients once a video recording has been forensically clarified. It may be necessary for an expert to present the clarified video recording to the trier of fact. This will help so they can better understand our methodology. 

Most courts that we have testified in as expert witnesses have video playback equipment. However, many do not produce the highest quality results. Other courts, such as the federal court in Boston, have more advanced systems where our work product is easier to view. 

For example, older systems may not be bright enough for the Trier of Fact to preview from. We can provide other arrangements like projectors and high resolution TV’s. Often times when we provide testimony, we bring our enhancement software for presentation to the court. This gives me the ability to play the video quickly with features such as slow motion and frame by frame playback. 

To learn more tips about presenting video evidence for courtroom use, click HERE.

IF YOU HAVE A RECORDING THAT YOU QUESTION OR NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A PRO BONO CONSULTATION.